Many missed after school fire in Kenya

At least 17 students have died in a fire in a dormitory at a school in central Kenya, according to the police. 70 children are still missing after the fire.

» Updated:

» Published:

Many missed after school fire in Kenya
Photo: AP-TT

Share this article

The police fear that the number of dead will rise. In the current dormitory, over 150 boys between 10 and 14 years old were resting – and nearly half of them are missing.

We still have 70 children we cannot account for. That does not mean they have died or been injured. The words we use are simply unaccounted for, says Vice President Rigathi Gachagua.

In addition to the 17 confirmed dead, at least 13 students have suffered severe burns.

What caused the fire at the Hillside Endarasha Primary boarding school in Nyeri, north of the capital Nairobi, is being investigated. It is clear that the flames spread quickly in the wooden buildings.

We are investigating and taking necessary measures, says police spokesperson Resila Onyango.

The bodies are burned beyond recognition.

Many relatives have gathered outside the school, but they are receiving very little information.

They say some children managed to escape, but we have not been told where they went. The hope of finding my child is dwindling as time goes on, says a mother, Francis Wachira, to AFP.

Kenya's President William Ruto writes on social media that he is "devastated" over the incident. Those responsible will be held accountable, according to Ruto.

School fires are common in Kenya's many boarding schools. In 2017, ten students died in such a fire in Nairobi.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

IDF Expands Cooperation with Gaza Militias Amid Control Concerns

IDF Expands Cooperation with Gaza Militias Amid Control Concerns

Thousands Protest Trump Visit in London Urging Government to Show Backbone

Thousands Protest Trump Visit in London Urging Government to Show Backbone

50 Sudanese Refugees Die in Libya Boat Fire

50 Sudanese Refugees Die in Libya Boat Fire

Lebanon Military Seizes 64 Million Captagon Tablets in Major Raid

Lebanon Military Seizes 64 Million Captagon Tablets in Major Raid

Gaza Conflict Death Toll Surpasses 65,000

Gaza Conflict Death Toll Surpasses 65,000

EU Eases Proposed Cider Juice Content Regulations

EU Eases Proposed Cider Juice Content Regulations

Spain Arrests 19 for Torture and Murder on Migrant Boat

Spain Arrests 19 for Torture and Murder on Migrant Boat

EU Proposes Sanctions on Israel's Ministers and Trade Over Gaza

EU Proposes Sanctions on Israel's Ministers and Trade Over Gaza

Denmark Plans to Invest in Long-Range Precision Weapons

Denmark Plans to Invest in Long-Range Precision Weapons

Suspected Shooter's Texts Reveal Concerns Over Weapon and Father

Suspected Shooter's Texts Reveal Concerns Over Weapon and Father

Germany Warns Iran Over Lack of Action to Avoid UN Sanctions

Germany Warns Iran Over Lack of Action to Avoid UN Sanctions

EU Delays Climate Goals Submission Amid Member Disagreements

EU Delays Climate Goals Submission Amid Member Disagreements

Aleksey Navalny Poisoned, Widow Claims Based on New Tests

Aleksey Navalny Poisoned, Widow Claims Based on New Tests

1,600 Tourists Evacuated from Machu Picchu Amid Protests

1,600 Tourists Evacuated from Machu Picchu Amid Protests

Main Suspect in Madeleine McCann Case Released from Prison

Main Suspect in Madeleine McCann Case Released from Prison

Ukraine Reports Over 130,000 Russian Soldiers Killed in War

Ukraine Reports Over 130,000 Russian Soldiers Killed in War

Trump Welcomed by King Charles at Windsor Castle During UK State Visit

Trump Welcomed by King Charles at Windsor Castle During UK State Visit

New Escape Route Opens for Fleeing Gaza City Residents Amid Bombing

New Escape Route Opens for Fleeing Gaza City Residents Amid Bombing

Iran Executes Man Accused of Spying for Israel After Zelenskyj Letter

Iran Executes Man Accused of Spying for Israel After Zelenskyj Letter

NATO Needs Stronger Response to Russian Drone Threat, Expert Warns

NATO Needs Stronger Response to Russian Drone Threat, Expert Warns